Precision Ice Guide

ABSTRACT

A precision ice guide is described that reduces kinetic energy of ice cubes exiting an ice dispenser to reduce splash and noise. The ice guide includes at least a front guard that extends downwardly toward a drinking vessel to slow the descent of ice from the ice chute into the drinking vessel. The ice guide may further include collar and/or clip features that can be used to stabilize and attach the ice guide to an ice dispenser. The bottom portion of the ice guide may be shaped in a manner to provide further guidance of the ice into the vessel below. The ice guide is easily removable and dishwasher safe, and may be designed in a variety of colors to coordinate with and/or accent the color and design of the appliance to which the ice guide is attached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice dispensers that include mechanisms for dispensing ice into a suitable receptacle are well known in the art. Such mechanisms typically include a motor, a water valve, and a heating element to complete the ice-making cycle. The cycle starts when a timer activates the water valve which fills the ice mold. Once the built-in thermostat determines that the ice has frozen, it activates the heating element which warms the mold to soften the edges of the ice cubes. The motor next spins a shaft with small arms that scoop the ice cubes out of the tray and into the storage bin. At the same time, the shaft raises a shut-off arm which prevents the ice-making cycle from starting over again. Once the ice is in the bin, the shut-off arm falls back again.

One of the common complaints with ice dispensers is that, once activated, the ice cubes exit the dispenser too quickly, causing the consumer's beverage to splash out of the drinking glass. Another problem is that ice dispensers will often spray water and ice particles onto the floor and/or the user. Alternatively, the ice exiting the dispenser misses the glass completely and winds up on the floor or elsewhere.

There are currently ice guides available that are intended to solve one or all of the problems described above. These ice guides typically funnel ice from the ice shoot into the consumer's glass. The ice comes through the shoot and into the ice guide with a high amount of energy. The energy causes the ice to ricochet off the walls off the walls of the ice guide thus causing the ice to spray in all directions as it exits the ice guide. The existing prior art further does not provide a guide that is easily removed from an appliance to facilitate easy cleaning and entry of ice into various sized containers.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that reduces kinetic energy of ice cubes entering into a glass to reduce splash and noise.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that is easily removable from an appliance to facilitate various sized containers.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that is customer installable and removable.

Still another aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that prevents ice spray.

Another aspect of the present invention is a precision ice guide that is washable.

Another aspect of the present invention is a precision ice guide that can be sold in different colors and designed to match or accessorize the appliance.

Another aspect of the present invention is a precision ice guide that can be sold as an accessory for existing appliances or as an attachment for new refrigerators.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with an ice dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate snap-fit outside embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the alternate snap-fit outside embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate flexible embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the alternate flexible embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ring attachment for attaching the invention to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the ring attachment for attaching the invention to an ice dispenser.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the alternate flexible embodiment of the invention attached to the ice dispenser by the ring attachment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an extension alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a flattened extension alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the extension alternate embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser, whereby a drinking glass is positioned below the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

FIG. 3 illustrates a precision ice guide 10 of the invention. The ice guide 10 includes a body portion 12 having a front guard 14 and a rear relief portion 16 which is open. Front guard 14 includes horizontal top edge 15. Front collar 18 lies between tabs 22 and 24, which are disposed on side portions of the body 12. The body 12 of the ice guide 10 generally defines a centrally disposed open aperture 26 for guiding ice forms there through. The ice guide 10 is preferably made of plastic or other polymeric material which is configured to be received at an aperture of an ice dispenser (not shown), for insertion and removal by the user as necessary. The ice guide 10 may also be made of glass, metal, chrome, or other materials that can be easily washed or wiped clean by the user.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front guard 14 angles towards the back portion of the ice guide 10 to reduce ice spray from the ice dispenser while also preventing ice guide 10 from interfering with the trajectory of dispensed water. Front collar 18 and tabs 22 and 24 preferably have curved edges for ease of assembly onto the ice dispenser (not shown). Ice guide 10 can be “snapped” onto the ice chute 44

FIG. 1 shows the bottom portion of an ice chute 44 of an ice dispenser on a refrigerator 60. Referring to FIG. 2, the ice guide 10 is shown, wherein front collar 18 and the tabs 22 and 24 are shown disposed on a bottom portion of an ice chute 44 of the ice dispenser 40 of refrigerator 60. In use, ice forms travel through the central aperture 26 of the ice guide 10 and into a cup below (not shown).

FIG. 4 illustrates the ice guide 10 coupled to ice chute 44 of an ice dispenser. In this regard, ice chute 44 rests upon top edge 15 of front guard 14, whereby stress from ice chute 44 is directed onto top edge 15 to help hold it in place. Top edge 15 preferably extends slightly past tabs 22 and 24 to keep ice guide 10 from slipping up into ice chute 44. The rear relief portion 16 provides extra room to place a glass directly under the ice chute 44 to further reduce any chance of ice spray and prevent interference with the dispenser paddle.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section of an alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of ice guide 10 is shown which includes front guard 14 a and rear guard 14 b. Front guard 14 a and rear guard 14 b direct dispensed ice and prevent ice spray. Front and rear collars 18, 18 b of ice guide 10 are shown disposed on a bottom portion of an ice chute 44 of an ice dispenser 40. Rear collar 18 b has a protruding edge 19 which prevents the ice guide 10 from slipping up into the ice chute 44. A flexibly resilient clip 22 a is shown engaging the aperture 42, thereby retaining the ice guide 10 in place on the ice chute 44. The ice guide 10 has a second flexibly resilient clip 22 b on the opposite side of the ice guide as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The clips 22 a and 22 b bend slightly inwardly when positioning inside the ice chute 44 and then “snap” into place on the inside of the chute 44 to retain the ice guide 10 in the chute 44.

FIG. 6 shows the alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of ice guide 10 separated from the ice chute 44. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of ice guide 10 disposed on the bottom portion of ice chute 44 of an ice dispenser. Again, ice chute 44 rests upon top edge 15 of front guard 14 when engaged.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternate snap-fit outside embodiment of ice guide 10 is shown. Front and rear collars 18, 18 b of ice guide 10 are disposed above a lip 20 which generally surrounds the body portion 12 at an upper portion thereof. FIG. 9 illustrates ice guide 10 is shown disposed on a bottom portion of an ice chute 44 of an ice dispenser (not shown). Flexibly resilient clips 22 a and 22 b engage the outer portion of the ice chute 44 to retain the ice guide 10 thereon. The body 12 of the ice guide generally defines a centrally disposed open aperture 26 for guiding ice forms therethrough.

FIG. 10 shows an alternate funnel embodiment of ice guide 10. Ice guide 10 can be made from a variety of flexible materials including, but not limited to, copolyester (Tritan™), soft plastic (Versollan™) rubber or silicone. The top collar 18 is designed to generally match the size and circumference of ice chute 44 (not shown).

The funnel ice guide 10 provides a shield to prevent ice from spraying from the ice chute and funnel ice directly into a beverage container. The funnel 10 further helps to absorb the sound of ice traveling therethrough. One or more slits 29 towards the bottom of ice guide 10 allow the opening size of ice guide 10 to be manipulated and allow ice guide to fit around or within larger and/or oddly-shaped containers.

The funnel ice guide 10 can be secured to ice chute 44 and/or an existing ice guide by flexibly sliding the top collar 18 over the outside bottom portion of ice chute 44, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Alternatively, funnel ice guide may be secured to ice chute 44 using attachment ring 70 shown in FIG. 12. Attachment ring 70 can be easily installed by customers on an existing ice chute. Attachment ring 70 includes tabs 24 a and 24 b to engage the upper portion of attachment ring 70 to the ice chute 44 (not shown). Tabs 24 a and 24 b provide surfaces to which can be applied an adhesive tape (not shown) for attachment purposes. Any type of adhesive tape may be used for this purpose so long as it is strong enough to hold the ring 70 to the ice chute 44 even after the funnel ice guide 10 is attached. Such tapes would include duct tape, masking tape, and clear adhesive tape, with a preferred adhesive being Command™ Outdoor Application Adhesive Tape manufactured by 3M™.

Attachment ring 70 further includes mechanical fasteners 28 used for securing funnel ice guide 10 to the ring 70. The fasteners 28 allow the customer to easily remove the funnel 10 for easy cleaning. The fasteners 28 can be any mechanical fasteners known in the art including, but not limited to, screws, spring pins, rivets, etc. The fasteners 28 are preferably inserted through the funnel 10 and the attachment ring 70 then secured in the appropriate fashion. FIG. 13 illustrates ring attachment 60 secured to ice chute 44. FIG. 14 illustrates funnel ice guide 10 coupled to ring attachment 60 and ice chute 44.

Referring to FIG. 15, an extension alternate embodiment of funnel ice guide 10 is shown. The extended funnel portion of ice guide 10 provides additional guidance of ice through an ice chute and into the user's drinking glass (not shown) to further prevent ice spray and splashing of the ice into the glass. Alternatively, the extension portion can be extended over and around the vessel beneath. Again, the ice guide 10 is preferable manufactured from a flexible material to enable manipulation of the guide to fit and/or match the opening of customer containers, such that the ice guide 10 fits like a “sleeve” within (as shown in FIG. 17) or around the perimeter of the container beneath. In this regard, the ice guide may include vertical slits 29 which enable the guide 10 to expand to better fit around larger and/or oddly shaped containers.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a flattened extension alternate embodiment of funnel ice guide 10. The flattened funnel-shaped lower portion of the ice guide 10 can extend at least in part into the user's glass to even further reduce spraying and splashing. Besides the shapes shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the extension ice guide can come in a variety of shapes, such as square, triangular, oval, circle, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a cup 30 is shown below the extended funnel ice guide 10, wherein the ice guide 10 is coupled to an ice chute 44 which may be found on a front door panel of a refrigerator 60. The cup 30 is a standard cup having a rear portion 32 and a front portion 34 which together define an upper opening 36 in which a portion of the ice guide 10 is received. In use, ice forms travel through the central aperture 26 of the ice guide and into the upper opening 36 of the cup 30. The rear portion 32 of the cup 30 is configured to be received adjacent the relief portion 16 of the ice guide 10, such that the front guard 14 of the ice guide 10 can be partially or fully received within the upper opening 36 of the cup 30 near the front portion 34 of the cup 30. In this way, splash is reduced as ice and water enter the cup 30.

The ice guide 10 is contemplated to be easily removed by the user for providing added space for filling tall bottles or pitchers using the ice and water dispenser. The ice guide 10 is also configured to reduce kinetic energy of ice cubes entering into the cup 30 to reduce splash and noise. The ice guide 10 further reduces spray from the ice dispenser, and especially with respect to extension funnel alternate embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

The ice guide 10 may be transparent and/or may be manufactured in any color and may include other trim options, such as chrome plating around a portion of the body 12. The ice guide is preferably made of a polymeric material, but other materials well known to persons skilled in the art are also contemplated for use in the invention, including glass, metal, chrome, etc. The ice guide 10 is washable and cleanable, by hand and/or dishwasher safe. The ice guide 10 is further contemplated to be an accessory used with new ice dispensing machines, as well as retro-fit for existing ice dispensing devices. Regarding the latter, the ice guide 10 is customer-installable.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A precision ice guide comprising: a body defining an aperture for guiding ice there through, said body being adapted to couple to an ice dispenser chute, said body comprising a front guard, a rear relief portion, and side portions, whereby said front guard extends downwardly towards a drinking vessel positioned beneath the ice dispenser chute to slow the descent of ice into the drinking vessel; said ice guide being easily removed from the ice dispenser chute.
 2. The precision ice guide of claim 1 whereby the front guard is at least partially received within the drinking vessel to reduce splash as liquid enters the drinking vessel.
 3. The precision ice guide of claim 1 having upper and lower portions, and further including a collar extending at least partially around the upper portion of the ice guide, said collar at least partially engaging a bottom portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 4. The precision ice guide of claim 1 further including a lip surrounding the upper portion of the ice guide, said collar extending above the lip.
 5. The precision ice guide of claim 4 whereby the bottom portion of the ice dispenser chute rests upon the lip when the ice guide is engaged with the bottom portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 6. The precision ice guide of claim 3 whereby the collar comprises separate front and back collars, said front collar extending above the front guard and said back collar extending above the rear relief portion of the ice guide.
 7. The precision ice guide of claim 1 further including clips extending upwardly from the side portions of the ice guide to further engage the bottom portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 8. The precision ice guide of claim 6 whereby the clips and front and back collars engage the bottom portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 9. The precision ice guide of claim 6 whereby the clip members engage with an inner portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 10. The precision ice guide of claim 8 whereby the clips and the front and back collars engage with an inner portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 11. The precision ice guide of claim 6 whereby the clip members engage with an outer portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 12. The precision ice guide of claim 8 whereby the clips engage with an outer portion of the ice dispenser chute and the front and back collars engage with an inner portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 13. The precision ice guide of claim 3 comprised of a flexible material, whereby the upper portion of the ice guide flexibly engages the bottom portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 14. The precision ice guide of claim 13 whereby the ice guide attaches to the ice dispenser chute by coupling the upper portion of the ice guide to a ring attachment, said ring attachment being secured to the bottom portion of the ice dispenser chute.
 15. A precision ice guide comprising: a funnel-shaped body defining an aperture for guiding ice there through, said body having a top and a bottom, said body being adapted to couple to an ice dispenser; said body comprised of a flexible material; whereby the top of the body stretches around the bottom of the ice dispenser; and further providing that the bottom of the body conforms to either the inner or outer portion of a container to which ice from the ice dispenser will be dispensed, said body providing a physical barrier to prevent ice spray from the ice dispenser.
 16. The precision ice guide of claim 15 whereby the top portion of the ice guide slides over the bottom portion of the ice dispenser to secure the ice guide to the ice dispenser.
 17. The precision ice guide of claim 15 whereby the body includes vertical slits in the bottom portion to allow the ice guide to be manipulated to fit around or within large containers.
 18. The precision ice guide of claim 15 whereby the ice guide is secured to the ice dispenser by attaching the ice guide to a ring attachment, said ring attachment secured to the bottom of the ice dispenser.
 19. The precision ice guide of claim 18 whereby the ring attachment includes tabs that are taped to the bottom of the ice dispenser.
 20. A precision ice guide comprising: a funnel-shaped body defining an aperture for guiding ice there through, said body having a top and a bottom, said body being adapted to couple to an ice dispenser; said body comprised of a flexible material; whereby the ice guide is mechanically secured to a ring attachment, said ring attachment being adhesively secured to the bottom of the ice dispenser; whereby the ice guide is easily detached from the ring attachment for cleaning purposes; and further providing that the bottom of the body conforms to either the inner or outer portion of a container to which ice from the ice dispenser will be dispensed, said body providing a physical barrier to prevent ice spray from the ice dispenser; whereby the ice guide is secured to the ice dispenser by attaching the ice guide to a ring attachment, said ring attachment secured to the bottom of the ice dispenser. 